Trekking · Nepal
The Best Treks in Nepal
Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang Valley lead a ranked list of Nepal's best treks.
Nepal is the world's greatest trekking destination, with routes ranging from gentle foothill walks to high-altitude expeditions beneath the planet's tallest peaks. Here are the best treks, ranked, to help you choose the right one for your time and fitness.
The short answer
For most travellers the top three are the Everest Base Camp trek for sheer drama, the Annapurna Base Camp trek for stunning scenery in less time, and the Langtang Valley trek for big mountains within easy reach of the capital. Tap any below for routes, days and difficulty.
The treks ranked
- Everest Base Camp — the iconic walk to the foot of the world's highest mountain, around twelve days at serious altitude.
- Annapurna Base Camp — a sanctuary of peaks reached in roughly a week from Pokhara, with superb variety.
- Langtang Valley — high, scenic and the closest of the great treks to Kathmandu, ideal when time is short.
Beyond these, the Poon Hill trek offers a short, beginner-friendly sunrise classic; the Manaslu Circuit rewards experienced trekkers with a wilder, quieter alternative to Annapurna; and Upper Mustang leads into a stark, Tibetan-flavoured high desert behind the main range.
Plan your trek
Read our Nepal trekking guide for kit and acclimatisation, sort your trekking permits before you set off, and pick your window with the best time to visit Nepal.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
What is the best trek in Nepal?+
Everest Base Camp is the most iconic, walking into the heart of the high Himalaya. Annapurna Base Camp is a close second for scenery in a shorter window, while Langtang Valley is the best choice if you want big mountains close to Kathmandu.
Which trek in Nepal is best for beginners?+
The Poon Hill trek in the Annapurna foothills is the classic short, gentle option, with comfortable teahouses and a famous sunrise. The Langtang Valley trek is a good next step for fitter beginners wanting more altitude and remoteness.
How hard is the Everest Base Camp trek?+
It is strenuous rather than technical. You walk long days at high altitude up to about 5,400 metres, so fitness and careful acclimatisation matter more than climbing skill. Most people take around twelve days for the round trip.
When is the best time to trek in Nepal?+
Autumn (October to November) offers the clearest skies and the most stable weather, making it the prime trekking season. Spring (March to May) is the second-best window, with warmer days and rhododendron forests in bloom.
